After four months of speculation and criticism, Chris Brown finally pleaded guilty in the assault case against singer and ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.  Chris Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna after a pre-Grammy’s party on February 8^th, 2009 over a text message that Brown had received. 

Rihanna called Brown out on the text message and Brown went off on Rihanna, physically.  There were pictures out of Rihanna’s bruised face and it was confirmed that night that she was indeed in the hospital when she was supposed to be at the Grammy’s performing, as well as Brown.  After Brown had allegedly beat Rihanna, he took off while she called 911 for help.  Hours after the incident, Brown was charged with a felony assault.

Brown, before his trial today (Monday, June 22, 2009), bargained for a plea deal if he pleaded guilty, so he could bypass going to prison for what was thought of five years.  Chris Brown pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault to the pop star, Rihanna.  The judge was quoted with saying, “I think it’s commendable you took responsibility for your conduct.”

Chris Brown will be sentenced on August 5^th with the terms of his plea deal: five years of formal probation and six months (1,400 hours) of community labor (including, but not limited to graffiti removal and roadside cleanup) which he must complete in his home town of Virginia.  On top of that, Brown and Rihanna both have orders from the court to stay at least 50 yards away from each other at all times, and 10 yards away when involving the entertainment industry.  Both Brown and Rihanna accepted what the court had offered and neither had to testify in court today.

I am glad that Chris Brown FINALLY admitted to beating Rihanna after months and months of denying it, but it is very irritating that he will serve no jail time.  His lawyer said his plea deal is what the average person with no prior criminal record would get.  I understand there are instances for first time abusers, but he literally beat her and badly!  So badly that she could not leave the house for weeks until her swelling and bruising went down.  By Chris Brown getting off this easy, it gives the possibility for teenagers that look up to Chris to think that it is ok if you happen to slip up and beat your girlfriend, when it is absolutely not okay, at all.  Most kids when questioned if they thought what Chris Brown did was right, said no, and a lot of them did not want to see or listen to his music after he hurt Rihanna, but there are still the teenagers out there who think that is okay.

Will Chris Brown really learn his lesson with only really having to suffer with community service?  I can see how it may be embarrassing, especially back in your home town, where people really look up to you, and I hope the paparazzi take pictures and blast it all over the internet, but seriously, will he learn from this?  I understand that he is “sorry”, but I only think he is “sorry” because this whole incident hurt his career.  I honestly think he should serve, if nothing else, a month in jail to see what life is really like when you beat someone.